Home > Friend of fatal crash victim reacts to video posted by fugitive

Friend of fatal crash victim reacts to video posted by fugitive

By smorgan

Created 04/09/2013 - 8:00pm

POSTED: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - 8:00pm

UPDATED: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - 8:04pm

LAFAYETTE, LA (NBC33) — The friend of a 29-year-old woman who died in a car crash allegedly caused by a now wanted fugitive was initially shocked when she learned about a video he posted to YouTube. However, she now believes the negative could become a positive.

"After I watched the video, at first I was upset about it," Kelly Breaux, a friend of Cacie Barras, said. "The more I started thinking about it, now [I think] more people know what he sounds like, his mannerisms, so it might even be easier to track him down."

Wade Lohse was supposed to appear in a Lafayette court room on Monday, March 25, to face charges of vehicular homicide for allegedly causing the crash that killed Barras. However, he walked out before the proceedings started. He is now wanted by the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Violent Offender Task Force. Lohse posted an 11-minute video explaining his actions on Sunday, April 7.

“These are all things that can be resolved if he shows up in court,” Cpt. Kip Judice, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, said about the video released on YouTube. ”They may be valid arguments, but everything he argues needs to be ruled by a judge. It’s not something that can be fought on the Internet.”

Officials say they’re confident they will locate Lohse, who has a criminal history that spans 25 years. However, they urge the public to assist with their efforts.

“We need citizens who may have information related to his whereabouts to come forward to help us locate him,” Cpt. Judice added. “Our best asset is community involvement.”

Lohse is currently considered Lafayette Parish’s Most Wanted Fugitive and information leading to his arrest could lead to a cash reward.

If you know anything regarding his whereabouts call (337) 251-6921.

Click here[1] for more information about the video posted as well as information about the charges he’s facing and a new warrant issued for his arrest unrelated to his current charges.